Aftercare is crucial to maintain healthy stretched lobes and to minimize the risk of infection or other complications. Here are some general guidelines:
Seriously, wash em
Cleanliness:
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Wash your hands. That's always step one! Keep your newly stretched ears clean to avoid infection. Use warm water, or a saline solution or spray to clean your lobes and the jewelry daily.
Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as these can be too harsh and might delay the healing process. It's important not to over-clean too. Once your lobes and jewelry are clean, avoid touching them to keep them clean.
Lubrication:
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Keep your lobes moisturized to promote elasticity and aid in healing. Use oils such as jojoba or vitamin E oil, which mimic the body's natural oils and can help prevent dryness and cracking.
Monitoring:
Regularly check your lobes for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, or unusual pain. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare professional or piercer.
A little redness or mild irritation is okay when you're healing. Unusual swelling, pus or pain can be signs something is going wrong.
This is also a good time to do a materials check:
Are your plugs glass or titanium? One of the most common issues post stretch is a reaction to materials. Cleaning your lobes and changing back to a safe material may be your best option. Materials that are generally considered safe for regular wear, like wood and stone, are not suitable for new stretches due to their porous surface.
Patience:
Don't rush to the next size. Stretching too quickly can cause blowouts, tears, or thin lobes. Wait until your ears are fully healed before attempting the next stretch.
This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your body. If there was one piece of advice we would give to everyone stretching their lobes it would be this one. The vast majority of stretching issues stem from a lack of patience.
Jewelry:
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Wear quality jewelry suitable for fresh stretches, such as glass, titanium or stainless steel. Avoid porous materials like wood plugs, stone plugs, silicone plugs or certain types of plastic, which can harbor bacteria, until the stretch is fully healed.
Rest:
If you're experiencing discomfort or if your ears seem to be healing slowly, give them a break. Remove the jewelry and let your ears rest. You may even need to downsize if you notice any problems, such as thinning lobes or persistent discomfort.
It's important to remember that not everyone's stretching journey is in a straight line. Taking a step back on occasion is not only okay, it may be the best path for you.
Massage Your Ears:
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A tiny bit of jojoba oil or an ear stretching salve can work wonders when massaged into the lobes, keeping them fresh and flexible, and free of cracking and dry flaking.
Healthy Lifestyle:
Your overall health impacts your body's healing process. Make sure to maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. This helps your body repair itself more efficiently.
Remember, everyone's body is different, and therefore, healing times and reactions can vary. Listen to your body, and if in doubt, consult a professional. With patience and proper aftercare, you can ensure that your ear stretching journey is a successful one.
If you'd like to check out our blog specifically on stretched piercing aftercare, click the image below:
